Calls

During the breeding season, the male makes a high-pitched piping call in flight to declare ownership and to advertise to potential mates. The call is less than 1 second, but he repeats it about 4 times per second. He gives a similar call while he digs a small depression in the ground for a potential nest. If the male feels threatened on his territory, he makes a series of rattling, throaty sounds that increase in speed while bobbing his head. The male and female call to each other and their young with a quiet and brief peep.